The treatment involves heating and closing the vein from within, using radiofrequency energy. This is usually performed whilst you are awake under local anaesthetic on a walk-in walk out basis, although it can also be performed under general anaesthetic. This technique works very similarly to Laser (EVLA) and is recognised by NICE as being equivalent. There are a few technical differences between the 2 techniques, but they are essentially very similar. The RFA device is slightly larger than a laser so it is placed through a small device called and angio sheath, but patient may experience less post operative pain than laser. Because of its size only straighter veins such as the long saphenous vein or short saphenous vein are suitable. RFA is only suitable to treat veins up to 12mm in diameter. Your consultant will discuss the options with you at your consultation.
Before the procedure the consultant will use an ultrasound machine to scan and mark the position of the end of the vein in the groin. You will then enter the treatment room or operating theatre and local anaesthetic injected. A special catheter is then inserted into the vein through a small 2-3mm cut just below the knee.
Once positioned, radiofrequency energy is gently delivered to seal and shut the faulty vein. A small dressing is applied, along with a special compression stocking which you will need to wear for the next 7 to 10 days. Following this procedure most people have an instant relief of symptoms.
The procedure generally takes around 30 – 40 minutes, and following this you will normally be free to leave after in as little as an hour. Your consultant will discuss this with you at your consultation.
RFA like EVLA is one of the safest treatments available for varicose veins, serious complications are extremely rare:
Thrombophlebitis: You may feel the vein that has been treated become hard and tender. Varicose veins that feed from the treated vein may also become hard and lumpy as part of the healing process. The phlebitis will resolve over a few weeks.
Nerve damage: As nerves can lie alongside the veins these may also become damaged by the heat or by Phlebectomies and a few patients notice small patches of numbness on their skin. These usually resolve over a few months.
Burns: Although it is possible to burn the skin with the laser in practice this is very rare indeed.
DVT: A DVT is a blood clot in the deep veins in the leg. It is a recognised complication of surgery and can be dangerous if the clot breaks away and travels to the lungs. The risk of getting a DVT after RFA is less than 1 in 200 for most people.
Spread the cost of your treatment with fixed, monthly payments over a time period to suit you.
Find out more
We offer an alternative range of ways to pay, so you can choose which one best suits you and your finances.
Find out more
Use your private medical insurance to fund your treatment through our simple referral process.
Find out moreCyanoacrylate glue – a special type of “superglue” – is used to seal off the main veins with incompetent valves, which need to be dealt with when treating varicose veins - usually the long (great) saphenous vein on the inner side of the leg.
Vascular scanning uses high frequency sound waves to produce pictures of your body's veins and arteries. It evaluates the blood flow in these blood vessels throughout your body.
Varicose vein surgery treats varicose veins for medical or cosmetic reasons. Varicose vein surgery involves closing off your problem varicose vein so that your blood re-routes through a healthier vein.
A General Practitioner (GP) can be a key resource in helping manage anxiety. While they may not provide specialised mental health therapy (like a psychologist or psychiatrist), they can offer several forms of support and guidance which we will delve into.
Choosing a treatment option for an enlarged prostate can be overwhelming, Pinehill Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care UK, based in Hitchin, is here to help men make that decision. Pinehill are offering Aquablation Therapy, a new pioneering robotic prostate treatment, for men suffering from BPH.
Patients are travelling nationwide to visit Pinehill Hospital for Aquablation Therapy, which they have been offering now for over a year. This is a new minimally invasive robotic treatment for patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
